Ikkevolatile

Ikkevolatile is a term used in Norwegian and other Scandinavian languages to describe non-volatile memory, a class of computer memory that retains information without a continuous power supply. In computing, non-volatile memory contrasts with volatile memory, such as DRAM or SRAM, which loses data when power is removed.

Non-volatile memory includes devices such as ROM and its variants (PROM, EPROM, EEPROM), flash memory (NAND and NOR), solid-state drives, USB flash drives, hard disk drives, and optical media like CDs and DVDs. These storage media are designed to preserve data for extended periods, even when the device is powered off.

Key characteristics of non-volatile memory are data retention time, durability, and access speeds. Some non-volatile memories offer fast read access but slower writes (as seen in flash memory). Flash memory has finite write cycles and employs wear leveling to extend its usable life. Data integrity can be affected by temperature, and endurance limits typically distinguish different technologies.

Common uses include storing firmware (such as BIOS/UEFI), configuration data, portable storage, embedded systems, and long-term data archives. Non-volatile memory is essential for situations where information must persist without power, from system boot code to user data retention.

Etymology and usage: "ikke" means "not" in Norwegian, paired with "volatile" to form the concept of non-volatile memory, a standard term in computing literature. In English, the corresponding term is non-volatile memory or persistent storage.

See also: volatile memory, persistent storage, non-volatile memory technologies.